French baguette added to UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage: What can the French expect now?
The famous and delicious French baguette has officially entered history on November 30, 2022 by being added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. But what does that mean for the French exactly?
First, it means that the savoir-faire to make the baguette will continue to be respected.
Second, it is very good international publicity for this delicious type of bread which represents the French culture. When you hear about baguette, who does not think of the stereotyped French holding their baguette under their arm and wearing a beret?
Third, it’s important to know that there were fewer and fewer bakeries and fewer and fewer bakers in France. The new image of the baguette may attract more people toward the bakery sector. The profession may be seen as more prestigious because you don’t only make bread but you also respect a very French tradition.
Fourth, this award may reinforce the national identity of the French.
Some interesting cultural facts about the French and the baguette:
- More and more French tend to buy their baguette in a supermarket instead of going to a traditional bakery. It may change with the new status of the baguette.
- You can buy a fresh baguette in the morning and in the evening. Baguettes are baked twice a day in many bakeries.
- The French are eating fewer and fewer baguettes.
- You can eat baguette for every meal: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- A baguette is a long piece of bread: 25.59 inches (65 cm). Some bakers say that it was to gain time: making a long shape is faster that making a loaf of bread. During the Napoleonic wars, it was necessary to bake bread fast for the soldiers. A long type of bread is baked much faster than a loaf.
Let’s find a French bakery and enjoy a delicious crispy baguette!
“Une baguette pas trop cuite, s’il vous plaît?”